DSWD charter should be amended – Escudero
SENATE President Francis Escudero said the charter of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should be amended to streamline the donation process during emergencies and reduce bureaucratic delays that previously hindered the timely arrival of relief goods.
“We are considering amending the DSWD charter to facilitate easier donations from people and organizations like yours during calamities and disasters,” Escudero told international and local Red Cross leaders during their visit to the Senate last Tuesday.
“There have been instances in the past where relief goods did not arrive on time due to existing procedures and requirements,” he said.
Escudero welcomed Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and former senator Richard Gordon.
During the meeting, Escudero cited the critical role of the Red Cross in disaster response and its status as the top supplier of blood to government hospitals.
He expressed his gratitude for the invaluable services rendered by the IFRC and the PRC, particularly during calamities and disasters.
Forbes agreed, emphasizing the Red Cross team’s commitment and the need for effective disaster preparedness and response.
She cited a 2023 study showing that the Philippines had the highest natural disaster risk in the world, underscoring the importance of their efforts.
Forbes acknowledged that the Philippines is a crucial training ground for emergency responders due to its frequent natural disasters.
Meanwhile, Gordon informed Escudero of the PRC’s capacity to assist other countries affected by disasters, having recently sent doctors and emergency responders to Turkey, Syria and Nepal.
Other attendees at the courtesy call included Gwendolyn Pang, secretary-general of the PRC; Alexander Matheou, IFRC regional director for Asia-Pacific; Sanjeev Kafley, head of delegation, IFRC Manila; Susan Malandrino, communications advisor to the IFRC president; and Athena Althea David, chief of staff to the PRC chairman and CEO.
On a five-day visit to the Philippines from May 28 to June 1, Forbes is the second woman to hold the highest position in IFRC. She oversees the operations of 191 national societies worldwide.
Five months after winning the election in December 2023, Ms. Forbes chose the Philippines as her first destination in Asia.